No. 240.
Mr. Bayard to Messrs. Cushing and McKenney.

[Telegram.]

The question of the right of American vessels engaged in fishing on the high seas to enter Canadian ports for the purpose of shipping crews may possibly involve construction of treaty with Great Britain. I expect to attain such an understanding as will relieve our fishermen from all doubts or risk in the exercise of the ordinary commercial privileges of friendly ports, to which, under existing laws of both countries, I consider their citizens to be mutually entitled free from molestation.

T. E. BAYARD.